When I accepted the presidency at Grambling State University, I immediately knew it was a special and unique place; not only for the wonderful teaching and learning, but as a place where the word family is not just a slogan, but also a living example of how people should care about one another. The belief that family is important continues to be born out each day at Grambling by numerous acts of kindness.
On last Thursday, August 27, Tropical Storm Erika ravaged the beautiful Caribbean island nation of Dominica, causing flooding and mudslides as over 10 inches of rain fell on the island in just six hours. The storm has been devastating to all Dominicans. Damaged bridges and roads have left many communities in isolation and without basic needs. A large area of the island has been without electricity, water and telecommunication services. Sadly, at least 20 lives have been lost, many are still missing, and thousands have been evacuated from their homes. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has declared the communities of Bath Estate (Paradise Valley), Dubique, Petite Savanne, Campbell, Coulibistrie, Pichelin, Petite Sourfriere, Good Hope and San Sauveur as disaster areas.
The country has undergone a recent infrastructure improvement. Unfortunately, all of the efforts in that area must be redone. Several commentaries have said that this devastation has “set the country back 20 years.” Many countries are assisting in the relief efforts, including Venezuela, St. Lucia, Cuba, St. Kitts, Nevis and the United States.
I want to call everyone’s attention to the fact that 40 students from Dominica are enrolled here at Grambling State University, and there are others who are still in the country and trying their best to return to school. As the televised news fades about this enormous tragedy, we, the Grambling State University family, will mobilize our efforts to help our students. To that end, I have asked Mr. Otto Meyers, Dr. David Ponton and Ms. Greta Carter to work with the university community to pull together a campaign to raise money through a relief fund. A safe and secure mechanism will be established, so that our 40 students and members of their families can be assisted during this time of grief and despair. The specific details of the relief effort will be forthcoming.
I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our students, staff and faculty who came out yesterday to offer support and encouragement to our Dominica students during a unity gathering and prayer service. This outpouring of love and caring was an awesome display of “family.” Once again, that’s why I love Grambling State University. This is yet another example of the Grambling family coming together in a time of need.